Cleaning and plating apparatus

ABSTRACT

A cleaning and plating method and apparatus comprising a plurality of tank assemblies arranged in series through which a batch of articles to be cleaned and plated is moved successively. Each tank assembly comprises a tank containing liquid treating or plating material. A barrel is at least partly submerged in each tank and is rotated about its longitudinal axis. The ends of the barrel are open and the barrel is formed with baffles on the interior thereof. When the barrel is rotated in one direction, the articles are agitated through the liquid and when the barrel is rotated in the other direction, the articles are elevated and deposited on a chute for transfer to thenext succeeding tank assembly. Provision is made for supplying electrical power to some of the assemblies in order to plate the article. Novel barrel means are provided for minimizing drainage problems. Further, a novel chute system and barrel support system are included. Finally, a novel recirculating system for short-term treatment is provided.

llnited States Patent [191 Mclnnes [1 1] 3,855,107 [451 Dec. 17,1974

[ CLEANING AND PLATING APPARATUS [76] Inventor: Robert Mclnnes, 2601 Davison Rd., Flint, Mich. 48506 [22] Filed: May 10, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 252,313

Related u.s. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 89,409, Nov. 13,

1970, abandoned.

[52] US. Cl 204/201, 134/134, 193/10, 204/213 [51] Int. Cl. B65g 49/02 [58] v Field of Search 204/201, 213, 214; 134/78, 134/134, 79; 193/10; 259/172 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,835,219 12/1931 Hopkins 134/134 566,894 9/1896 Danckwardt 204/213 1,367,567 2/1921 Sedgwick et al..... 204/213 2,037,264 4/1936 Potthoff 204/201 1,342,899 6/1920 Eddy 204/201 3,282,819 11/1966 Hovanic 204/213 3,705,848 12/1972 Vishnitsky et a1. 204/213 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 133,162 10/1919 Great Britain..... 204/213 668.396 3/1952 Great Britain 204/213 Primary Examiner-John H. Mack Assistant Examiner-W. 1. Solomon' Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Barnes, Kisselle, Raisch & Choate 5 7 ABSTRACT A cleaning and plating method and apparatus comprising a plurality of tank assemblies arranged in series. through which a batch of articles to be cleaned and plated is moved successively. Each tank assembly comprises a tank containing liquid treating or plating material. A barrel is at least partly submerged in each tank and is rotated about its longitudinal axis. The ends of the barrel are open and the barrel is formed with baffles on the interior thereof. When the barrel is rotated in one direction, the articles are agitated through the liquid and when the barrel is rotated'in the other direction, the articles are elevated and deposited on 'a chute for transfer to thenext succeeding ta'nk assembly. Provision is made for supplying electrical power to some of the assemblies in order to plate the article. Novel barrel means are provided for minimizing drainage problems. Further, a novel chute system and barrel support system are included. Finally, a novel recirculating system for short-term treatment is provided. 5 i

25 Claims, 20 Drawing Figures PATENTED DEE] H974 SHL'U 2 BF 9 PATENTED DEC] 7 I974 sum 3 e; 9

m mvrm PATENTED DEC} 7 I974 SHEU 4 BF 9 In o PATENTEI] DEC] 719 74 sum 8 n5 9 FIGJS PATENTEI] 05:21 71974 I r 3 8 55,107

we v

CLEANING AND PLATING APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In common types of plating equipment presently utilized commerically, baskets or barrels are moved successively through various cleaning and plating solutions. The capacity of such equipment is dependent upon the initial construction of the apparatus and it is difficult, if not impossible, to expand the size of the equipment without substantial modification or reconstruction.

In the aforementioned application Ser. No. 89,409,

there is shown a cleaning and plating method and apparatus comprising a plurality of tank assemblies arranged in series through which a batch of articles to be cleaned and plated is moved successively. Each tank assembly comprises a tank containig liquid treating or plating material. A barrel is at least partly submerged in each tank and is rotated about its longitudinal axis. The ends of the barrel are open and the barrel is formed with baffles on the interior thereof. When the barrel is rotated in one direction, the articles are agitated through the liquid and when the barrel is rotated in the other direction, the articles are elevated and deposited on a chute for transfer to the nest succeeding tank assembly.

Among the objects of this invention are to provide an improved barrel system, chute system, support system for the barrel, and recirculating system'for short-term plating.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the invention there is provided a cleaning and plating method and apparatus comprising a plurality of tank assemblies arranged in series through interior thereof. When the barrel is rotated in one di- 1 rection, the articles are agitated through the liquid and when the barrel is rotated in the other direction, the articles are elevated and deposited on a chute for transfer to the next succeeding tank assembly. Provision is made for supplying electrical power to some of the assemblies in order to plate the'article. Novel barrel means are provided for minimizing drainage problems.

Further, a novel chute system, and barrel support system are included. Finally, a novel recirculating system for short-term treatment is provided.

DESCRIPTION OF TI-IE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a fragmentary side elevational view of a portion of a system embodying the invention.

FIG. 1a is a partly diagrammatic plan view ofa cleaning and plating system embodying the invention.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary part sectional end view of a portion of the system shown in FIG. I.

FIG. 3 is an end view of a portion of the system shown in FIG. 2, parts'being broken away.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view on an enlarged scale taken along the line 4-4' of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 5-5 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a barrel utilized in the system, parts being broken away.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line 7-7 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a part sectional, side elevational viewof a portion of the system shown in FIG. 1, parts being broken away.

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary part sectional plan view of a portion of the system shown in FIG. 8, parts being broken away.

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary end elevational view of a portion of a modified system.

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of a portion of the system shown in FIg. 10.

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 12-l2 in Hg. 11.

FIG. 13 is a fragmentaryend elevational view of a further modified form of the invention.

Flg. 14 is a fragmentary view taken along the line l4l4 of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary view of an enlarged scale of the portion of the structure shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary sectional view of a portion of the structure shown in FIG. 8 showing the parts in a different operative position.

FIG.,17 is a fragmentary front elevational view of a portion of the apparatus shown in FIG. 16 with parts being broken away.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view through a side wall of a portion of the apparatus shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 19 is a schematic wiring diagram of the wiring system that may be utilized with the invention.

DESCRIPTION The invention generally relates to a cleaning and plating system such as that disclosed in the aforemen tioned copending application Ser. No. 89,409.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 1a and 2, the cleaning and plating system embodying the invention is shown in connection with zinc plating of articles but, as will be apparent, it can be adapted to other types of plating. As shown in FIG. 1, the articles to be plated are fed from a metering hopper periodically in a batch to a first tank assembly 10. The articles are treated in the tank assembly l0 and then are delivered, as presently described,

to a successive tank assembly 11.

The tank assemblies 10,-11 as well as the other tank assemblies 12 in the system are of substantially identical construction, as 'will be hereinfater described, except that where electrical power is required for plating, additional provision is made for the application of such electrical power. a

After treatment in tank assembly 10, the articles are then fed to another tank assembly 11 and so onto successive assemblies in order. By the arrangement shown, each tank assembly is working or performing a function on a batch of the articles while the other tank assemthe articles.

bles are providing their functions on other batches of In zinc plating, the successive tank assemblies perform the functions designated, namely, cleaning, electrically cleaning, water treatment or rinsing, acid rinse, reclamation of acid, plating, reclaiming the plating solution, water rinse, dipping for surface treatment, water rinse, hot water rinse and drain, before passage out of the system.

In the transfer of articles between successive assemblies, chutes 13 are provided as presently indicated.

As discussed above, each tank assembly l12, as well as additional tank assemblies in the system, which are not shown, is substantially identical in construction except for the inclusion or omission of the electrical components for applying power.

Referring to FIG. 1, each tank assembly -12 includes a container or tank 14 which is adapted to hold the treating or plating liquid, as the case may be. Each tank assembly further includes a barrel 15 that is generally cylindrical and includes an outer cylindrical wall 16 and annular flat radial end walls 17 (FIGS. 6, 7). The barrel 15 is made of plastic material such as polypropylene and the walls 16, 17 are formed with holes 18 to permit the ready passage of liquid therethrough.

Referring to FIGS. 2-5, each barrel is rotatably supported in its respective tank by an arrangement which includes spaced pairs of levers 20 that are pivoted alongside the ends of. the barrel on shafts 21 rotatably mounted on brackets 22 intermediate the ends of the levers 20. Opposed levers 20 rotatably support rubber faced drive rollers 23 at one end and idler rollers 24 at the other, the drive and idler rollers on each lever 20 engaging the drum at circumferentially spaced points. The drive rollers 23 are driven by sprockets 24 on the shafts 25 of the drive rollers 23 which extend between opposed levers 20. An endless-chain 26 is trained so that the drive rollers are driven simultaneously. Aother sprocket 27 onone of the shafts 25 is driven by a motor M mounted on an extension 28 of the lever arm 20a so that the motor M is exteriorly of the tank in order to avoid contamination of the tank from liquid and other matter as the motor operates. Each arm 20 is adapted to engage an adjustable stop 30 on the tank.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the barrel 15, as heretofore described, comprises cylindrical outer wall 16 and spaced radial walls 17 of plastic material such as polypropylene each of which is provided with a plurality of openings 18 therethrough. The walls are welded to one another to form a unitary structure. Baffles 31 also made of plastic material extend transversely between the spaced radial walls 17. The outermost portions of the baffles 31 are provided with holes 32 therethrough to minimize the tendency for liquid to collect and be trapped so that the liquid will not be transferred from one tank to the other during rotation of the barrel thereby obviating contamination of the liquid of one tank with that of the other. In addition, an annular member 33 is mounted at the juncture of the inner surfaces of the wall 17 and wall 18. These walls 33 are also wardly toward the liquid in the tank. An annular bead 36b is provided on the outer surface of radial walls 17 adjacent the next successive tank to prevent liquid on said outer surface from passing downwardly onto the electrical connections below.

Each barrel includes a plurality of baffles 31 that extend at an acute angle A with respect to the inner surface of wall 16, the angle A ranging between and 55, and being preferably Where electrical power is required to be applied to the liquid in order to perform a plating function, a metal plate 37 is provided on preferably all the baffles so that as the barrel rotates, at least three metal plates 37 are within the liquid at all times. Each baffle plate 37 comprises electrically conductive plate such as titanium or the like which includes a flange 38 engaging made of plastic material. Walls 33 include inner annu- I lar surfaces 34 that taper radially inwardly away from the center of the drum and function to keep the parts from lodging between the chute and the walls of the barrel.

Further. each barrel is provided with axially extending portions 36 along the inner periphery defining the openings and an annular bead 36a is provided on the outer surface thereof to cause liquid draining along the inner surface of the radial walls 17 to be directed downthe inner periphery of each baffle. Each plate 37 is positioned in a recess 39 in the baffle 31 so that the surface of plate 37 is flush with the exposed surface of baffle 31. Adjacent pairs of baffles 37 are electrically interconnected by arcuate metal portions 41 and radial copper members 42 extend, covered by a layer of plastic 42a (FIG. 18), to brackets 42!; which are electrioted to arms 46, 47. The arms 46 are pivoted to a lever- 47 that is maintained in adjustable angular position on the tank by a turnbuckle 48. A spring 49 extends between the pivots of the arms 45, 46 to one another to yieldingly urge the brush member 44 against the outer periphery of the bus bar 43. In this manner, the brush member 44 is maintained in contact with the bus bar 43 but is spaced vertically above the tank to minimize any tendency of the liquid to contact the electrical parts. Electrical current is supplied to the brush 44.

Referring to FIG. 2, the anode for plating is provided by an anode retainer in the form of a helical coil spring 50 in which the anode balls 51 are placed. A bracket 52 holds spring 50 in an arcuate configuration. A stop 52a on bracket 52 closes one end of the spring 50 and engages transverse bars 53 in the tank while a bracket arm 54 hooks over an electrical bar 55 for providing the other electrical lead as needed. In this manner, a large anode area is provided in close proximity to the periphery of the barrel. A handle 56 on bracket 50 facilitates removal and replacement.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, each chute 13 comprises sections or portions 60, 61 pivoted to one another. Portion 60 forms a greater angle with the horizontal than a portion 61. The chute 13 further flares from a wide transverse section 62 adjacent the upper end within the tank to a narrow section 63 at the adjacent tank to which the parts are fed (FIG. 9). In addition, the chute includes flared portions 64 at its upper end within the tank as shown in FIG. 9 which extend upwardly and forwardly to assist in collecting the parts and directing them downwardly during the transfer when the barrel rotation is reversed.

The chute section 60 includes a pivoted portion 65 that has V-shaped drain slots 66 therein. Chute portion 65 is normally positioned in the broken line position exposing opening 66 a so that parts will be returned to the barrel and be prevented from passing to the adjacent barrel when the barrel is rotated in the normal running direction. A secondary wall or scoop 66a is provided beneath slots 66 and tapers downwardly and inwardly to guide the liquid passing through slots 66 to the interior of barrel 15. The exterior or lower surface of chutes 13 is coated with a plastisol which functions to reduce noise while the upper surface is uncoated to facilitate movement of the articles being treated. The section is pivotable by a linkage including a cylinder 67 which acts through a lever 68 fixed to chute portion 65.

vent articles being treated from bouncing out of the chute during normal rotation but insufficient to prevent the parts from moving down the chute during transfer. To prevent the articles from inadvertently bouncing out of the chute during transfer an arcuate cover 60h is mounted on the chute.

Where the parts are only to be subjected to a liquid treatment for a' short period of time less than that to which the parts are treated in other tanks of the system,

the modified tank assembly shown in FIGS. -12 may be used which is substantially identical to other tank assemblies except that wherein a pump 70 exteriorly of the tank 14 functions through pipes 71, 72 to feed the liquid for any prescribed period to both ends ofa transverse or axial pipe 73 provided with nozzles 74 which direct the liquid downwardly onto the parts. The functank assembly is either treating articles or delivering articles to the next successive tank assembly.

The number of tank assemblies for any particular operation, that is any particular treatment, depends upon the amount of time required for that treatment. Thus, a tank assembly is provided for the shortest needed treatment. Then if there is another treatment that requires a greater length of time, that particular treatment utilizes two or more tank assemblies so that a portion of the treatment occurs during one cycle of the tank and another portion of the treatment occurs in the other tanks.

The operation of the control circuitry is more completely described in the aforementioned application Ser. No. 89,409 but may be briefly summarizedas follows: A forward master timer and a reverse master timer are associated with the first tank assembly and control respectively the forward and reverse rotation of the barrel of this tank assembly (the first barrel). A timer is associated with the barrel of each subsequent tank assembly and is electrically interlocked with the barrels of the immediately preceding and succeeding tank assemblies. The forward master timer controls the operation of the first barrel in the forward direction for a preselected forward cycle time after which the reverse master timer controls the operation of the barrel in reverse for a preselected reverse cycle time. Such a forward-reverse cycle is automatically repeated for each batch of articles. As soon as the firstbarrel goes into reverse, the timer for the barrel of the next successive tank assembly (the second barrel) is initiated through an electrical interlock which runs the second barrel forward for a preselected time and then in. re-

7 verse. (When the second barrel goes into reverse, it

tioning of the pump 70 may be timed to any lesser time less than the total time that the parts are in the drum. In this form, the liquid level in the tank is below the lower end of the barrel.

Where the parts being treated are intricate or very small, as in the case of small screws, in' order to prevent the parts from collecting in any corner and the like, provisions is made for vibrating the barrel when the barrel is rotated to deliver the parts to the next drum. As shown in FIGS. .13 and 14, This includes a spring arm 75 pivoted to the tank at one end and having rollers 76 frictionally engaging the periphery of the barrel.

A vibrator 77 is provided on the arm and vibrates during this rotation of the barrel to vibrate the drum.

OPERATION In operation, the conveyor is actuated to feed articles to the metering hopper. The metering hopper in turn periodically feeds a batch of articles to the first tank asstarts the timer for the barrel of the third tank assembly. This same interlocking arrangement is. repeated between succeeding'barrels). The combined forward and reverse cycle times of each barrel are identical. Be-

cause the forward cycletimes of each barrel subsequent to the first are only approximately equal, the reverse cycle time compensates for the differences between them since a barrel continues to run in reverse until its forward cycle is initiated by the preceding barrel going into reverse. Thus, if the forward cycle time of the second barrel is greater than the forward cycle time of the third barrel, the reverse cycle time of the third barrel is correspondingly greater than the reverse cycle time of the second barrel. The cycle times are so adjusted that the reverse cycle of the barrel having the shortest reverse cycle of all is sufficiently long to discharge the batch'of articles therefrom. With this background the detailed' operation of the control circuitry is now described. I v

During normal cleaning or plating, the barrel of each drum rotates in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 6 to cause 'a tumbling and agitation of the parts. During this operation, the pivoted portion 65 is in the down or broken line position (FIG. 8). Any parts that may inadvertently be delivered to the chute 60-are returned back through the opening in the chute to the tank by the pivoted portion 65. Further, any liquid delivered to the chute 60 inadvertently will be directed through the opening provided by the downward position of the portion 65away from the chute to the interior of the tank.

The annular beads 36a function to minimize any' tendency of the liquid on the interior surfaces on the wall 17 to pass out of the opening at the center thereof. Further, the annular bead 36h prevents liquid from contacting the bus bar.

In the barrels where electrical circuit is required, the desired current is provided by the plates 37. The arrangement of the plates and associated conductive plates at 41, 42 recessed in corresponding grooves provides for a smooth surface on the interior of the barrel as well as on the baffles 31. The tapered surface 34 prevents parts from collecting at the corners and thereby minimizes the tendency of any parts being lodged between the chute and the barrel. The openings 39 in the baffles 31 also facilitate the elimination of liquid collection. Curtain 60f prevents any parts from bouncing off the chute and out of the barrel.

When each barrel is reversed, the baffles 31 function to elevate the parts and deliver them to the upper end of the chute. Since the upper end of each chute is flared as at 64, the delivery of the parts is facilitated. During the discharge, the pivoted portion 65 is in the upper or solid line position shown in FIG. 8, to guide the parts -to the next barrel. Slots 66 permit liquid to drain through the slots to the secondary scoop 66a back into the tank so that liquid is not carried over. The coating of theunderside of the chute sections minimizes the noise incident to transfer of the parts between tank assemblies.

The use of the anode holders provides anodes in close conformity to the barrel and, in turn, the parts and facilitates the replacement of the anodes. The novel drive mechanism assures proper drive without exposing the motor to the liquid contents of the tank.

By making the entire barrel of plastic, a sturdy, lightweight, long-lived construction is achieved.

It can thus be seen that a system has been provided wherein substantially identical assemblies, with appropriate modifications, are used for each of the successive stations of the system.

Conventional power (110 volts, 60 cycles) is supplied to the control circuitry by lines 100 and 102. The operating mode is rendered either automatic or manual by means of selector switches 104, 1040, 104b, l04c' and is hereinafter described with reference to the automatic mode. In order to initiate operation, start switch 106 is depressed to thereby latch a relay 107 in the usual manner. The actuation of relay 107 allows power to be supplied to the rest of the control circuitry through contacts 108 and 110. Contacts 112 are provided in series with contacts 108 to disable the control circuitry should one of the barrel motors become overloaded.

A relay 114 operates drive motor 42 of conveyor 11 until contacts 116 are opened by level sensing element 41 to indicate that hopper 12 is full. Next, contacts 120 of sensing element 41 close to thereby latch a relay 121. The actuation of relay 121 closes contacts 122 so that power is supplied through normally closed contacts 124 to start a forward master timer 126.

Forward master timer 126 opens and closes a plurality of contacts 128, 130, 132, 134 and 136 in timed relationship. Normally open contacts 128 and 130 close immediately upon initiation of timer 126. Normally closed contacts 132 and 136 open, and normally open contacts 134 close when timer 126 completes its timing cycle. After timer 126 times out, it cannot be recycled until it is reset by removing the supply current to it.

The closure of contacts 128 actuates a timing relay 138 which in turn operates a solenoid valve 140 through contacts 141 for a time interval sufficient to discharge the first batch of articles from hopper 12 into barrel 46 of tank assembly 13 by means of the arrangement previously described. the closure of contacts 130 picks up a relay 142 which starts motor 52 of the first barrel (the first motor) in the forward direction..

The first barrel continues to run forward until the opening of contacts 136 terminates the forward cycle of timer 126. Concurrently, contacts 132 open to turn off the first motor, and contacts 134 close to start a dwell timer 144 and to energize a relay 150. Relay 150 resets timer 174 of the second barrel through contacts 149. After the dwell of timer 144, which affords the first motor sufficient time to come to a stop, contacts 146 and 148 operate to respectively release relay 150 and to start a reverse master timer 151.

Reverse master timer 151 is similar to forward master timer 126 in that it controls a plurality of timed contacts 152, 154, 156, 158, and 160. Normally open contacts 152, 154 close immediately upon the initiation of timer 151. Normally closed contacts 156 and 158 open and normally open contacts 160 close when timer 151 times out.

The closures of contacts 152 and 154 energize relays 162 and 164. Relay 162 starts the first barrel in reverse while relay 164 resets forward master timer 126 by means of contacts 124. (The feed to timer 151' is maintained through contacts 152 with contacts 166 being provided to prevent feedback to contacts 134 and timer 144.)

The first barrel continues in reverse until the opening of contacts 156 terminates the reverse cycle of timer 151. The concurrent opening of contacts 158 turns-off the first motor, and closure of contacts starts a dwell timer 168 which by opening contacts 170 after the dwell, resets timer 151 and starts the next forward cycle of the first barrel by releasing relay 164 to close contacts 124.

The energization of relay 162 also closes contacts 172 to thereby both initiate timer 174 and start motor 52 of the second barrel (the second motor) in the forward direction so that the second barrel can receive the articles being discharged from the reverse-running first barrel. Timer 174 controls a'plurality of timed contacts 176, 178, and 182, while the forward rotation of the second motor is controlled by a relay 184. Contacts 176 close concurrently with the start of timer 174 while contacts 178, 180, and 182 are actuated when timer 174 times out.

Contacts 176 maintain power to timer 174 after contacts 172 drop out, and the second barrel continues to run forward until the opening of contacts 178 terminates the cycle of timer 174. Simultaneous with the cycle termination, contacts 180 open to turn off the second motor, and contacts 182 close to pick up a dwell timer 186. After the dwell of timer 186, which affords the second motor sufficient time to come to rest, contacts 188 close to pick up relay 190 which runs the second motor in reverse so that it can discharge its articles. The second barrel continues in reverse until the first barrel completes its next forward cycle. Relay 194 controls contacts (not shown) which are interlocked with the control circuitry of the third barrel.

Thus, there has been described control circuitry for operating the first two barrels of the plating apparatus.

The forward and reverse master timers establish the operating cycle of the first barrel with each of the succeeding barrels in the apparatus being slaved to its preceding barrel. The portion of FIG. 17 below line AA is duplicated for each barrel subsequent to the second barrel, with the electrical interlocks being arranged in similar fashion with the immediately proceding and succeeding barrels. The repetitive forward-reverse cycles of the first barrel sequentially propagate through the entire apparatus so that eventually each barrel is running either forward to receive and process articles or reverse to discharge articles.

I claim: 1. ln an apparatus for cleaning and plating articles, the combination comprising a plurality of containers adapted to contain liquid treating material, a barrel adapted to be at least partially submerged in liquid in each said container, eachsaid barrel having a longitudinal axis, means for supporting each said barrel rotatably about a fixed generally horizontal axis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquid in said container when liquid is in the container, each said barrel comprising a cylindrical plastic wall,

each said barrel having radial plastic end walls, each end wall having an opening therethrough along the longitudinal axis of the barrel,

each said barrel having a plurality of circumferentially spaced baffles on the inner periphery thereof extending axially between the end walls,

said baffles extending generally radially inwardly and forming an acute angle with the inner periphery of the barrel and spaced from said openings such that when the barrel is rotated in one direction, said means for mounting said chute means in fixed relationship independently of said barrels,

and means associated with at least one of said barrels for providing an electrical circuit for plating,

each said chute means comprising a first portion and a second portion,

said portions forming progressively decreasing angles with the horizontal as the chute extends from one said barrel to the adjacent said barrel.

2. lnn an apparatus for cleaning and plating articles,

the combination comprising a plurality of containers adapted to contain liquid treating material,

a barrel adapted to be at least partially submerged in liquid in each said container,

each said barrel having a longitudinal axis,

means for supporting each said barrel rotatably about a fixed generally horizontal axis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquid in said container when liquid is in the container,

each said barrel comprising a cylindrical plastic wall,

each said barrel having radial plastic end walls, each end wall having an opening therethrough along the longitudinal axis of the barrel, each said barrel having a plurality of circumferentially spaced baffles on the inner periphery thereof extending axially between the end walls, said baffles extending generally radially inwardly and forming an acute angle with the inner periphery of the barrel and spaced from said openings such that when the barrel is rotated in one direction, said baffles agitate the articles, and when said barrel is rotated in the opposite direction, said baffles elevate the articles and then cause them to drop, and chute means extending at an angle from the interior of one said barrel adjacent one end wall through the other end wall to the interior of the succeeding barrel such as to guide article's dropped by the baffles by gravity to the succeeding barrel, 7

means for mounting said chute means in fixed relachute includes openings in said lastv-me'tioned portion thereof within said barrel to permit liquid that may fall downwardly on the chuteto drain into said barrel when the parts are being delivered to the succeeding barrel.

4. The combination setforth in claim 3 including a fixed secondary scoop beneath said openings for directing liquid back into said barrel.

5. The combination set forth in claim 3 wherein said 4 openings are generally V-shaped and tapered in the direction of travel of the parts along said chute.

6. In an apparatus for cleaning and plating articles, the combination comprising a plurality of containers adapted to contain liquid treating material, a barrel adapted to be at least partially submerged in liquid in each said container, each said barrel having a longitudinal axis, means for supporting each said barrel rotatably about a fixed generally horizontal axis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquid in said container when liquid is in the container, each said barrel comprising a cylindrical plastic wall,

each said barrel having radial plastic end walls, each end wall havingan opening therethrough along the longitudinal axis of the barrel,

each said barrel having a plurality of circumferentially spaced baffles on the inner periphery'thereof extending axially betwen the end walls,

said baffles extending generally radially inwardly and forming an acute angle with the inner periphery of the barrel and spaced from said openings such that when the barrel is rotated in one direction, said baffles agitate the articles, and when said barrel is rotated in the opposite direction, said baffles ele vate the articles and then cause them to drop,

and chute means extending at an angle from the interior of one said barrel adjacent one end wall the combination comprising a plurality of containers adapted to contain liquid treating material,

a barrel adapted to be at least partially submerged in liquid in each said container,

each said barrel having a longitudinal axis,

means for supporting each said barrel rotatably about a fixed generally horizontal axis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquid in said container when liquid is in the container,

each said barrel comprising a cylindrical plastic wall,

each said barrel having radial plastic end walls, each end wall having an opening therethrough along the longitudinal axis of the barrel,

each said barrel having a plurality of circumferentially spaced baffles on the inner periphery thereof extending axially between the end walls,

said baffles extending generally radially inwardly and forming an acute angle with the inner periphery of the barrel and spaced from said openings such that when the barrel is rotated in one direction, said baffles agitate the articles, and when said barrel is rotated in the opposite direction, said baffles elevate the articles and then cause them to drop,

and chute means extending atan angle from the interior of one said barrel adjacent one end wall through the other end wall to the interior of the succeeding barrel such as to guide articles dropped by the baffles by gravity to the succeeding barrel,

means for mounting said chute means in fixedrelationship independently of said barrels,

and means associated with at least one of said barrels for providing an electrical circuit for plating,

and means for vibrating said barrel during rotation thereof.

8. The combination set forth in claim 7 wherein said last-mentioned means comprises a member movably mounted on said container and adapted to frictionally engage said tank and vibration means on said member.

.9. The combination set forth in claim 7 wherein said member comprises a spring member.

10. The combination set forth in claim 8 including anti-friction means between said member and said barrel.

11. The combination set forth in claim 10 wherein said anti-friction means comprises a roller engaging the periphery of said barrel.

12. In an apparatus for cleaning and plating articles, the combination comprising a plurality of containers adapted to contain liquid treating material,

a barrel adapted to be at least partially submerged in liquid in each said container,

each said barrel having a longitudinal axis,

means for supporting each said barrel rotatably about a fixed generally horizontal axis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquid in said container when liquid is in the container, each said barrel comprising a cylindrical plastic wall,

each said barrel having radical plastic end walls, each end wall having an opening therethrough along the longitudinal axis of the barrel, each said barrel having a plurality of circumferen tially spaced baffles on the inner periphery thereof extending axially between the end walls, said baffles extending generally radially inwardly and forming an acute angle with the inner periphery of the barrel and spaced from said openings such that when the barrel is rotated in one direction, said baffles agitate the articles, and when said barrel is rotated in the opposite direction, said baffles elevate the articles and then cause them to drop,

and chute means extending at an angle from the interior of one said barrel adjacent one end wall through the other end wall to the interior of the succeeding barrel such as to guide articles dropped by the baffles by gravity to the succeeding barrel,

means for mounting said chute means in fixed relationship independently of said barrels,

and means associated with at least. one of said barrels for providing an electrical circuit for plating,

said means for rotatably mounting said barrel comsaid last-mentioned means comprises a motor mounted on one said lever beyond the confines of said tank and means extending between said motor and one of said anti-friction means.

14. The combination set forth in cliam 12 wherein said drive means includes endless means extending between said driven rollers,

and idler roller means engaging both reaches of said endless means. 15, The combination set forth in claim 14 wherein said idler roller means comprises a lever pivoted inter mediate itsends and idler pulleys engaging said reaches of said endless means.

16. In an apparatus for cleaning and plating articles, the combination comprising a plurality of containers adapted to contain liquid treating material,

a barrel adapted to be at least partially submerged in liquid in each said container,

I each said barrel having a longitudinal axis,

means for supporting each said barrel rotatably about a fixed generally horizontal axis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquid in said container when liquid is in the container,

each said barrel having a plurality of circumferentially spaced baffles on the inner periphery thereof,

said baffles extending generally radially inwardly and forming an acute angle with the inner periphery of the barrel such that when the barrel is rotated in one direction, said baffles agitate the articles, and when said barrel is rotated in the opposite direction said baffles elevate the articles and then cause them to drop,

chute means extending from the interior of one said barrel to the interior of the other to guide articles dropped by the baffles to the succeeding barrel,

means for mounting said chute means in fixed relationship independently of said barrels,

each said chute including a portion thereof adjacent said openings which is pivotal out of the plane of said chute during normal operation to permit parts to be directed back into the barrel,

and means associated with at least one .of said barrels for providing an electrical circuit for plating.

17. The combination set forth in claim 16 wherein said chute includes openings in said last-mentioned portion thereof within said barrel to permit liquid that may fall downwardly on the chute to drain into said barrel when the parts are being delivered to the next adjacent barrel.

18. The combination set forth in claim 17 including a fixed secondary scoop beneath said openings for di- 20. The combination set forth in claim 16 wherein.

said chute has a coating on the exterior surface thereof a flexible curtain extending downwardly within said barrel into contact with said chute for preventing articles from inadvertently passing out of said chute during normal operation.

24. The combination set forth in claim 16 wherein said pivoted portion of said chute has an end extending upwardly when said portion is in its normal position.

25. In an apparatus for cleaning and plating articles, the combination comprising a plurality of containers adapted to contain liquid treating material, a barrel adapted to be at least partially submerged in liquid in each said container, each said barrel having a longitudinal axis, means for supporting each said barrel rotatably about a fixed generally horizontal axis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquid in saidcontainer when liquid is in the container, each said barrel comprising a cylindrical plastic wall,

forming an acute angle with the inner periphery of the barrel and spaced from said openings such that when the barrel is rotated in one direction, said baffles agitate the articles, and when said barrel is rotated in the opposite direction, said baffles elevate the articles and then cause themto drop, and chute means extending at an angle from the interior of one said barrel adjacent one end wall through the other end wall to the interior of the succeeding barrel such as to guide articles dropped by the baffles by gravity to the succeeding barrel,

means for mounting said chute means in fixed relationship independently of said barrels,

and means associated with at least one of said barrels for providing an electrical circuit for plating,

and annularly extending surfaces on the interior surfaces of said radial walls of each said barrel extending from the cylindrical wall radially inwardly. 

1. In an apparatus for cleaning and plating articles, the combination comprising a plurality of containers adapted to contain liquid treating material, a barrel adapted to be at least partially submerged in liquid in each said container, each said barrel having a longitudinal axis, means for supporting each said barrel rotatably about a fixed generally horizontal axis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquid in said container when liquid is in the container, each said barrel comprising a cylindrical plastic wall, each said barrel having radial plastic end walls, each end wall having an opening therethrough along the longitudinal axis of the barrel, each said barrel having a plurality of circumferentially spaced baffles on the inner periphery thereof extending axially between the end walls, said baffles extending generally radially inwardly and forming an acute angle with the inner periphery of the barrel and spaced from said openings such that when the barrel is rotated in one direction, said baffles agitate the articles, and when said barrel is rotated in the opposite direction, said baffles elevate the articles and the cause them to drop, and chute means extending at an angle from the interior of one said barrel adjacent one end wall through the other end wall to the interior of the succeeding barrel such as to guide articles dropped by the baffles by gravity to the succeeding barrel, means for mounting said chute means in fixed relationship independently of said barrels, and means associated with at least one of said barrels for providing an electrical circuit for plating, each said chute means comprising a first portion and a second portion, said portions forming progressively decreasing angles with the horizontal as the chute extends from one said barrel to the adjacent said barrel.
 2. Inn an apparatus for cleaning and plating articles, the combination comprising a plurality of containers adapted to contain liquid treating material, a barrel adapted to be at least partially submerged in liquid in each said container, each said barrel having a longitudinal axis, means for supporting each said barrel rotaTably about a fixed generally horizontal axis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquid in said container when liquid is in the container, each said barrel comprising a cylindrical plastic wall, each said barrel having radial plastic end walls, each end wall having an opening therethrough along the longitudinal axis of the barrel, each said barrel having a plurality of circumferentially spaced baffles on the inner periphery thereof extending axially between the end walls, said baffles extending generally radially inwardly and forming an acute angle with the inner periphery of the barrel and spaced from said openings such that when the barrel is rotated in one direction, said baffles agitate the articles, and when said barrel is rotated in the opposite direction, said baffles elevate the articles and then cause them to drop, and chute means extending at an angle from the interior of one said barrel adjacent one end wall through the other end wall to the interior of the succeeding barrel such as to guide articles dropped by the baffles by gravity to the succeeding barrel, means for mounting said chute means in fixed relationship independently of said barrels, and means associated with at least one of said barrels of providing an electrical circuit for plating, said chute including a portion thereof adjacent said openings which is pivotal out of the plane of said chute during normal operation to permit parts to be directed back into the barrel.
 3. The combination set forth in claim 2 wherein said chute includes openings in said last-metioned portion thereof within said barrel to permit liquid that may fall downwardly on the chute to drain into said barrel when the parts are being delivered to the succeeding barrel.
 4. The combination set forth in claim 3 including a fixed secondary scoop beneath said openings for directing liquid back into said barrel.
 5. The combination set forth in claim 3 wherein said openings are generally V-shaped and tapered in the direction of travel of the parts along said chute.
 6. In an apparatus for cleaning and plating articles, the combination comprising a plurality of containers adapted to contain liquid treating material, a barrel adapted to be at least partially submerged in liquid in each said container, each said barrel having a longitudinal axis, means for supporting each said barrel rotatably about a fixed generally horizontal axis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquid in said container when liquid is in the container, each said barrel comprising a cylindrical plastic wall, each said barrel having radial plastic end walls, each end wall having an opening therethrough along the longitudinal axis of the barrel, each said barrel having a plurality of circumferentially spaced baffles on the inner periphery thereof extending axially betwen the end walls, said baffles extending generally radially inwardly and forming an acute angle with the inner periphery of the barrel and spaced from said openings such that when the barrel is rotated in one direction, said baffles agitate the articles, and when said barrel is rotated in the opposite direction, said baffles elevate the articles and then cause them to drop, and chute means extending at an angle from the interior of one said barrel adjacent one end wall through the other end wall to the interior of the succeeding barrel such as to guide articles dropped by the baffles by gravity to the succeeding barrel, means for mounting said chute means in fixed relationship independently of said barrels, and means associated with at least one of said barrels for providing an electrical circuit for plating, and a flexible curtain extending downwardly within said barrel into contact with said chute for preventing articles from inadvertently passing out of said chute during normal operation.
 7. In an apparatus for cleaning and plating articles, the combination comprisinG a plurality of containers adapted to contain liquid treating material, a barrel adapted to be at least partially submerged in liquid in each said container, each said barrel having a longitudinal axis, means for supporting each said barrel rotatably about a fixed generally horizontal axis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquid in said container when liquid is in the container, each said barrel comprising a cylindrical plastic wall, each said barrel having radial plastic end walls, each end wall having an opening therethrough along the longitudinal axis of the barrel, each said barrel having a plurality of circumferentially spaced baffles on the inner periphery thereof extending axially between the end walls, said baffles extending generally radially inwardly and forming an acute angle with the inner periphery of the barrel and spaced from said openings such that when the barrel is rotated in one direction, said baffles agitate the articles, and when said barrel is rotated in the opposite direction, said baffles elevate the articles and then cause them to drop, and chute means extending at an angle from the interior of one said barrel adjacent one end wall through the other end wall to the interior of the succeeding barrel such as to guide articles dropped by the baffles by gravity to the succeeding barrel, means for mounting said chute means in fixed relationship independently of said barrels, and means associated with at least one of said barrels for providing an electrical circuit for plating, and means for vibrating said barrel during rotation thereof.
 8. The combination set forth in claim 7 wherein said last-mentioned means comprises a member movably mounted on said container and adapted to frictionally engage said tank and vibration means on said member.
 9. The combination set forth in claim 7 wherein said member comprises a spring member.
 10. The combination set forth in claim 8 including anti-friction means between said member and said barrel.
 11. The combination set forth in claim 10 wherein said anti-friction means comprises a roller engaging the periphery of said barrel.
 12. In an apparatus for cleaning and plating articles, the combination comprising a plurality of containers adapted to contain liquid treating material, a barrel adapted to be at least partially submerged in liquid in each said container, each said barrel having a longitudinal axis, means for supporting each said barrel rotatably about a fixed generally horizontal axis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquid in said container when liquid is in the container, each said barrel comprising a cylindrical plastic wall, each said barrel having radical plastic end walls, each end wall having an opening therethrough along the longitudinal axis of the barrel, each said barrel having a plurality of circumferentially spaced baffles on the inner periphery thereof extending axially between the end walls, said baffles extending generally radially inwardly and forming an acute angle with the inner periphery of the barrel and spaced from said openings such that when the barrel is rotated in one direction, said baffles agitate the articles, and when said barrel is rotated in the opposite direction, said baffles elevate the articles and then cause them to drop, and chute means extending at an angle from the interior of one said barrel adjacent one end wall through the other end wall to the interior of the succeeding barrel such as to guide articles dropped by the baffles by gravity to the succeeding barrel, means for mounting said chute means in fixed relationship independently of said barrels, and means associated with at least one of said barrels for providing an electrical circuit for plating, said means for rotatably mounting said barrel comprising spaced pairs of levers, each said lever being pivoted at a point on said container intermediate tHe opening and the periphery of said drum, anti-friction means on the ends of each said lever engaging the periphery of the drum at spaced points on the drum, and means for driving at least one of said anti-friction means of each said lever.
 13. The combination set forth in claim 12 wherein said last-mentioned means comprises a motor mounted on one said lever beyond the confines of said tank and means extending between said motor and one of said anti-friction means.
 14. The combination set forth in cliam 12 wherein said drive means includes endless means extending between said driven rollers, and idler roller means engaging both reaches of said endless means.
 15. The combination set forth in claim 14 wherein said idler roller means comprises a lever pivoted intermediate its ends and idler pulleys engaging said reaches of said endless means.
 16. In an apparatus for cleaning and plating articles, the combination comprising a plurality of containers adapted to contain liquid treating material, a barrel adapted to be at least partially submerged in liquid in each said container, each said barrel having a longitudinal axis, means for supporting each said barrel rotatably about a fixed generally horizontal axis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquid in said container when liquid is in the container, each said barrel being open at both ends thereof adjacent the longitudinal axis, each said barrel having a plurality of circumferentially spaced baffles on the inner periphery thereof, said baffles extending generally radially inwardly and forming an acute angle with the inner periphery of the barrel such that when the barrel is rotated in one direction, said baffles agitate the articles, and when said barrel is rotated in the opposite direction said baffles elevate the articles and then cause them to drop, chute means extending from the interior of one said barrel to the interior of the other to guide articles dropped by the baffles to the succeeding barrel, means for mounting said chute means in fixed relationship independently of said barrels, each said chute including a portion thereof adjacent said openings which is pivotal out of the plane of said chute during normal operation to permit parts to be directed back into the barrel, and means associated with at least one of said barrels for providing an electrical circuit for plating.
 17. The combination set forth in claim 16 wherein said chute includes openings in said last-mentioned portion thereof within said barrel to permit liquid that may fall downwardly on the chute to drain into said barrel when the parts are being delivered to the next adjacent barrel.
 18. The combination set forth in claim 17 including a fixed secondary scoop beneath said openings for directing liquid back into said barrel.
 19. The combination set forth in claim 18 wherein said openings are generally V-shaped and tapered in the direction of travel of the parts along said chute.
 20. The combination set forth in claim 16 wherein said chute has a coating on the exterior surface thereof serving to deaden the noise of parts falling thereon.
 21. The combination set forth in claim 20 wherein the upper surface of said chute comprises uncoated metal.
 22. The combination set forth in claim 16 wherein the upper end of said chute flares outwardly within said barrel in the direction of travel of said parts when they are discharged to a dimension greter than the diameter of said openings.
 23. The combination set forth in claim 16 including a flexible curtain extending downwardly within said barrel into contact with said chute for preventing articles from inadvertently passing out of said chute during normal operation.
 24. The combination set forth in claim 16 wherein said pivoted portion of said chute has an end extending upwardly when said portion is in its normal position.
 25. In an apparatus for cleaning and plating articles, the combinaTion comprising a plurality of containers adapted to contain liquid treating material, a barrel adapted to be at least partially submerged in liquid in each said container, each said barrel having a longitudinal axis, means for supporting each said barrel rotatably about a fixed generally horizontal axis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquid in said container when liquid is in the container, each said barrel comprising a cylindrical plastic wall, each said barrel having radial plastic end walls, each end wall having an opening therethrough along the longitudinal axis of the barrel, each said barrel having a plurality of circumferentially spaced baffles on the inner periphery thereof extending axially between the end walls, said baffles extending generally radially inwardly and forming an acute angle with the inner periphery of the barrel and spaced from said openings such that when the barrel is rotated in one direction, said baffles agitate the articles, and when said barrel is rotated in the opposite direction, said baffles elevate the articles and then cause them to drop, and chute means extending at an angle from the interior of one said barrel adjacent one end wall through the other end wall to the interior of the succeeding barrel such as to guide articles dropped by the baffles by gravity to the succeeding barrel, means for mounting said chute means in fixed relationship independently of said barrels, and means associated with at least one of said barrels for providing an electrical circuit for plating, and annularly extending surfaces on the interior surfaces of said radial walls of each said barrel extending from the cylindrical wall radially inwardly. 